47 year old male now been diagnosed with OP, been giving as every been calling it the AA drug and after reading some of the discussions on here, not really looking forward to using it and if to do so at all, not really sure wot a z score is either
I fully understand your concerns here and in my opinion they are well founded. I have been taking Alendronic acid (AA) combined with Calceos for 5 years now and they are working well which is clearly on the plus side. Also on the plus side is that I am now so used to drinking half a pint of water with each tablet that I actually enjoy it! On the minus side Calceos is VERY bad for your teeth so they need extra special care and regular checkups with the dentist while the AA makes teeth very brittle and if they break and need removal the dentists are very reluctant to do the work. To try and protect my teeth I crush the Calceos in a pestle and mortar so I don't have to chew them. Finally as they have worked well I will be able to stop the AA tabs soon but will have to continue with the others for the foreseeable future. As always you need to weigh up the pros and cons. Good luck with whatever you decide.
I too understand where you are coming from Clive. I wasnt diagnosed when I was 47 but had my first spinal fracture at that age. Second one at 59, diagnosis at 60. Been on AA for 8 weeks, but will not know how much it is helping for almost 3 years when I have my next scan. No side effects so far except really tired the day I take it. Everything else has settled down ok. Not sure if you mean the T score. If so, the higher the number the less dense your bones are. Have you been given this number? If it is low, or more close to normal, you might only require supplements of calcium, D3 and K2. Dont be afraid to ask your radiologist.
Thankyou to both of you for your information, the trouble with the local gp they say things so quick its hard to take it all in, so when I went for some blood test I had a little read of the information she was sent,I knew people on here were talking about their t score so tried to find mine but it said a z score of - 4 had a little investigating on this all I've come with is that they are still diagnosing the cause of my OP weather that is right I don't know, will wait for more information on the AA before I even consider taking it
I have an unopened box of it and have decided to try a natural route at least for a while. I am having dairy including cheese and yoghurt as well as vitamin D 3 and magnesium. People are also saying exercise like walking helps. I will recheck my bone density as soon as I am allowed.
After reading comments and my own research I have a gut feeling to wait to take the medication.
Likewise Kathleen I will be taking the natural route for the time being the tablets can stay in their box, also taking other meds for another condition so not sure if the medications will react against each other,
Good luck with the healthy eating and yourself
Clive, have you had a bone density scan? If you have, have you asked for the copy of the results from the hospital? That's what you definitely need.
Totally agree with Chris. Before you can make informed choices about what treatment is best for your condition you need to know how bad it is. Understanding the severity of your osteoperosis is crutial. Weight bearing exercises and sun are also natural methods to follow, but again it depends on your t score. Unfortunately its more about managing rather than curing.
Hi Clive, As you mentioned a "z score," I'm presuming you have had a bone density scan completed as you are so young to be even raising this issue. (?) A "z score" is the number of standard deviations above or below what is normally expected for someone of your age, sex, weight, and ethinic origin. If your z score is -2 or lower, it may suggest that something other than age is causing your bone loss ( callled " secondary osteoporosis"
. If your doc. can identify the underlying problem, that condition can be treated and the bone loss slowed or stopped. (Ref. Mayo Clinic).
Common causes of Osteoporosis (OP) in men:
* certain drugs - cancer drugs (some), steroids, anticonvulsants, thyroid meds..
* low testosterone
* small body frame
* low calcium, low vitamin D intake
* heredity
The goal of treatment is to prevent further bone loss, preserve the bone mass and density, and to decrease the risk of fracture.
Various treatments available:
*Alendronate and Risedronate are used for men and women as is Zoledronic Acid. These drugs are called Bisphosphonates and can be used for steroid-induced OP.
* Teriparatide (pen injection daily) increases bone density in the spine in men and is also suitable for men with OP due to low testosterone.
Discuss effectiveness and side-effects of all of these with your doctor
I hope this is a bit helpful. Kins regards, J
Firstly I had a xray because of back pain where they discovered compression fractures then sent for density scan with results that I have OP,will ask for copies of results next time I visit the gp
Everyone mentions their t score all I could find when I nosed at the doctors email was a Z score, will wait on blood test results before considering taking the AA tablet from what I've read they scare the crap out of me and they don't seem to have alot of evidence that they actually work, I've joined this forum to get the experiences from people that are taking them any advice is much appreciated
Thankyou June much appreciated I have a score of Z-4 having blood test next week to find the cause, but won't take the AA tablet yet will try calcium and vitamin D supplements for the time being being,now going to look up the Mayo clinic you mentioned, thankyou again
Clive, the information that we managed to get from the GP WAS NOT OFFERED - my husband almost had to demand it - and it showed a BMD, T score and Z score of the AP spine, Femoral Neck left, and Total Hip left. There was also an 'intervention threshold' that showed the likelihood of major fracture and hip fracture over the next 10 years. My suggestion would be to get hold of all this information - you are entitled to it. And then DON'T do what I did - I trotted along to my doctor, was given Alendronic Acid, calmly took it without having any of this information! It was only after I got this information 6 weeks later that I found I didn't need the AA. I'm not saying your situation will be the same but now I realise that the very least my GP should have done was instigated a discussion - again, you are entitled to this! Find out what your situation is EXACTLY, and what your options are. The medication for oesteoporosis is not something you want to take without knowing how necessary it is and the side effects. Also, read studies that have been done, so you're in the best position to make as much of an informed decision as you can after discussing these with your doctor. Take notes with you. I think once you've got a plan you'll feel more in control of the situation. I wish you all the best.
The evidence is such that these medications work well, but can have side effects. A very small chance of 1in 1,500 ( medscape study ) having a particular fracture of the femur, but at the hospital, I was told I had 1in 10 chance of fracturing another vertebrae in the next 5 years. I felt the risk, for me was....no contest. I followed the natural route for years, but now I have a t score of 3.5. AA and other drugs like them, make new bone and supplements will not do this. The risk increases if you stay on the bisphosohonates for more than 5 years. Can I also say, good to see Juno has emerged from the duvet.
Hi alison, yes fully out now - took a while! Then went on holidays. Also just to mention, I had a repeat dexa scan done recently. Results showed that I'd moved from a really terrible - 4.5 (spine only) to a terrible -4. No fractures. This was after one year on Forteo injections and 9 months on Actonel. Had no problems with either. The rheumatologist wants me to return to Forteo for a second year and then back to Actonel for 4 more years. A bit depressed about this at first but then thought that going from -4.5 to -4 is in fact an 11% improvement. So maybe not so bad.. . Have an apt. with the rheumy at the end of August so I'll ask her to clarify the bone density/bone strength issue (remember?). Kind thoughts, J
I would love to know how this is worked out too, so keep us posted. Thats great news that you are heading in the right direction too. I have only been on AA for 8 weeks and having been a nurse, realise all medicines carry a risk, even herbal preperations. The trick is to weigh up the risks with the correct information and I too think, the Mayo clinic is one of the best for information. Hope you got some sun on your hols for your bones!!
No sun for bones - was in wild, wet and windy west of Ireland. But stunning scenery. . . At the time of my severe OP diagnosis, a close friend was diagnosed with agressive breast cancer - and it really helped put my OP in some perspective. So - the plan of action emerged (after much reflection and reading) - take the meds., walk 30 mins. briskly each day, get calcium mostly from diet and Vit D from drops, - AND, above all, try not to fall !!! Am an active 63 year old, but often lazy. . . . Will keep in touch. J
That sounds excellent news Juno! Very pleased for you!
I am a very active 60 year old and have run x3 weekly until second fracture. I slipped on the stair for the first fracture, then tried to lift something too heavy at the second. My luck gave out when I was diagnosed with a brain tumour....on my balance nerve. Did dancing since I was small so luckly my otherside compensates. Practice balance every day so dont intend falling. Keep that centre core toned too. You might need the bikini for the next holiday.
Thankyou Chris, was also told the likelihood of fractures in 5 to 10 years the rest he said didn't really sink in,but will go more armed with questions next time and will ask for a copy of results, like most people Im against take prescription drugs without full information on its effects and results
Thankyou and good luck with your own issues